Catalytic Combustion

            For a company that has been in business over 60 years, there is one simple asset that has proven to be the most important: the people. Currently, Catalytic Combustion employs approximately 50 people at its facility in Bloomer. “The education and work ethic of the people living in the Chippewa Valley are one of Chippewa County’s strongest assets,” Al Susedik, CFO, said. “Our rural farming and agricultural employment base provides a great resource of creative and hard-working individuals,” Susedik continued.  

The employees at Catalytic Combustion specialize in air correction and emission control, industrial process engineering, electrical engineering and controls, industrial services and catalyst products. Diversification allows Catalytic Combustion to have a positive outlook towards the future. Customers come from a variety of areas, including commercial cooking, environmental clients and industrial customers. “We work with companies in the energy industry and companies subject to EPA air regulations; with continued changes to the regulations, new markets continue to evolve and develop,” Susedik said. “We also market our technical and engineering resources for new product developments and commercialization,” he continued.

The variety of products and services offered by Catalytic Combustion allow for competitive advantages over its rivals. “Many of our competitors don’t manufacture what they sell, which limits their quality control,” Susedik said. The production personnel are also encouraged to develop new and more efficient ideas for manufacturing processes.

While the employees are a key asset to the company, Catalytic Combustion also concentrates on being involved in the community and giving back whenever possible. The company currently has membership in the Bloomer Industrial Development Corporation and the Bloomer Chamber of Commerce. “We provide high school cooperative work programs and actively support the city in attracting new and additional industries to Bloomer,” Susedik said.

The Bloomer-area and Chippewa County have always provided an attraction for Susedik. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1982, he left the area. “However, after 12 years of working in corporate America, I realized life, family, friends and the outdoor resources in Chippewa County were unmatched,” Susedik said. In 1994, he joined Catalytic Combustion and has been there for the past 16 years.

Receiving an award from CCEDC is confirmation of the culture, philosophy and quality of the people, products and services at Catalytic Combustion. “It’s a nice recognition from the community and local economic development illustrating the investment the company has made and continues to make in the local area,” Susedik concluded.